Water, Molecular Oxygen and Ice in Star-Forming Molecular Clouds

The Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe and its molecules (oxygen, water, carbon dioxide) a basic ingredient of life on Earth. Oxygen chemistry in the interstellar molecular clouds which form stars and planets has long been a mystery. We discuss that mystery and propose its resolution in this talk. Its resolution also suggests a way to synthesize complex carbon molecules in interstellar clouds and in protoplanetary disks.

slides